Mary Ruth Skilling

In Loving Memory of Mary Ruth Skilling

August 30, 1928 – August 5, 2026

Mary Ruth Skilling, a beloved mother, wife, friend, and cherished soul, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on August 30, 1928, in Hazard, Kentucky, Mary lived a beautiful life marked by kindness, compassion, laughter, and an extraordinary love for people. She was a devout Christian who loved the Lord

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Skilling, who passed away in 2004. She leaves behind a loving family who will forever carry her memory in their hearts: her son, Jay Chafin of Alabama; her daughter, Janet Chafin of Florida; and her son, James Mount of Florida.

To know Mary was to experience genuine warmth. She was loving, appreciative, empathetic, and caring, with a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed and valued. She loved people deeply and had a gift for making friends wherever she went. Helping others came naturally to her, and she gave of herself generously, often without expecting anything in return.

Mary was also full of life and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh, and her laughter was one of the many things that made her so special. In her later years, she embraced life with remarkable enthusiasm—enjoying line dancing, reading, and becoming quite proficient on social media. She remained curious, engaged, and connected to the world around her.

Mary worked as an office manager in the medical field, where her caring nature and ability to connect with people were surely an important part of the many lives she touched. And then there were the pranks. Her son James kept Mary on her toes over the years with an impressive collection of practical jokes involving everything from ghosts and smart TVs to cars, elderly driving, fake paintings, and even luxury resort packages. Mary would insist that she would never fall for another prank again—which James always took as an invitation to come up with something even better. Their playful battles became part of the family’s treasured memories and reflected something essential about Mary: she knew how to laugh, she knew how to love, and she never lost her wonderful spirit.

Mary leaves behind much more than memories. She leaves behind the kindness she showed, the people she helped, the friendships she formed, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave so freely. Her life was a gift to those fortunate enough to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, Mary’s beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of crossing her path. May we remember her not only with tears, but with smiles and laughter—the way Mary would have wanted. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home in downtown Ocala on Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 p.m.

A reception will be held following the service across the street from the funeral home at the 1890s Tea House. All are welcome to join us for fellowship and refreshments following the Celebration of Life service.

In lieu of sorrow, may we celebrate the remarkable woman Mary was loving, compassionate, funny, spirited, and always ready to make a new friend. Her laughter may be quiet now, but the joy she brought into this world will never be.